5 Strategies for Helping Aging Adults Decrease Their COVID-19 Risk

By Chris Cruse 9 am on April 3, 2020

Coronavirus is a major concern for everyone because of the many uncertainties associated with this virus. However, what’s also referred to as COVID-19 is especially worrisome for seniors because of immune system weaknesses that naturally occur with age and underlying health issues that tend to be more common among the elderly. If you’re caring for an older loved one, here are five tips to keep in mind to lower his or her coronavirus risk.

1. Encourage a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Because immune system vulnerabilities can make coronavirus more risky for seniors, help your loved one lower this risk with a diet that includes nutrient-rich foods. Foods and spices that are especially good for older immune systems include: • Acai berries, elderberries, and button mushrooms• Spinach, broccoli, and other green leafy veggies• Oysters and chicken soup• Ginger, garlic, and turmeric• Low-fat yogurt and pomegranate juiceProfessional caregivers can help seniors plan and prepare nutritious meals. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care.Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.

2. Find Ways to Exercise

Exercise is another way to boost the immune system and keep up the strength to reduce coronavirus risk. Fortunately, many beneficial forms of exercise, such as yoga and low-impact workouts with weights or resistance bands, can be done safely indoors or outside on a patio or deck.

3. Reduce Unnecessary Trips to Busy Places

Grocery stores are especially busy these days, since people are stocking up largely because of coronavirus concerns. However, it’s not easy to stay away from distracted shoppers in a bustling and crowded grocery store. You can take care of errands of this nature for your loved one to lower his or her COVID-19 risk. You can also ask your loved one’s pharmacy about home delivery options.A home caregiver can run errands, including shopping for groceries and picking up prescriptions, so your loved one doesn’t have to leave home. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Des Moines Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.

4. Limit In-Person Visits

Limit in-person visits as much as possible to lower your loved one’s coronavirus risk by reducing the potential of exposure. This doesn’t mean foregoing socialization, since it’s still important for older adults to remain socially engaged to maintain their mental health. However, thanks to today’s readily available technology, socialization is still possible. Options include: • Social media platforms such as Facebook• Video chatting remotely with friends and family members

Exploring online courses and tutorials to continue to learn and acquire new skills• Senior-specific online chat rooms such as Silversurfers and Buzz50

5. Consider In-Home Care

If coronavirus restrictions or other pressing obligations make it difficult to provide the type of care your loved one needs, in-home care is an option worth considering to lower the risk of COVID-19. While assisted living facilities do make every effort to keep their residents safe, it’s logistically easier to control your loved one’s immediate environment if he or she receives care at home. Plus, staying in familiar home environments can be more comforting for seniors who are already concerned about this illness.Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Des Moines, IA, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.With information surrounding coronavirus/COVID-19 changing by the hour, it’s challenging to stay updated on the most recent best practices for keeping seniors safe at home. At Home Care Assistance, we understand how critical it is for seniors and their caregivers to protect against coronavirus as much as possible. All our team members have received detailed communication on infection control protocols, including effective cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and hands. Our caregivers can pick up medications, groceries, and anything else a senior needs, minimizing their interaction with large groups of people. For more information on how Home Care Assistance helps protect clients, click here: https://www.homecareassistancedesmoines.com/covid-19-home-care/.